Standard and track shelving systems

ABSTRACT

A shelving system is disclosed that includes two tracks and a standard. The standard has an end portion slidably receivable within an opening one of the tracks, such that the position of the standard relative to the track is slidably adjustable along that track. The rearward portion of each track defines a recess. An elongate member is slidably receivable within the recesses of the tracks such that each track is slidable along the elongate member, whereby the slidable engagement of the elongate member within the recesses of the tracks aligns the tracks and allows slidable adjustment of the relative positioning of the tracks to each other.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the use of tracks andstandards for supporting shelving/shelf brackets and other components.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Standards may be used for supporting shelving or shelf brackets. Atypical standard may include a relatively narrow strip of material withtwo columns of slots on the front surface thereof. The standard may bemounted vertically against a wall. Shelving brackets may be supportedfrom the standard by inserting tabs of the shelving brackets intocorresponding slots of the standard. The standard may be fixedly mountedto a wall using screws such that the standard is not generallyadjustable, movable, or removable from its installed position.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, various embodimentsof adjustable shelving systems are provided. In one exemplaryembodiment, a shelving system generally includes at least one track andat least one standard. The track includes a rearward portion and aforward portion. The forward portion includes a downwardly-extendingretaining lip with an inwardly protruding portion, a generallyupwardly-facing horizontal support surface, and an opening cooperativelydefined by the retaining lip and support surface along at least aportion of the length of the track. The standard includes an end portionslidably receivable within the opening of the track, such that theposition of the standard relative to the track is slidably adjustablealong the track. The end portion of the standard includes an upperportion configured to contact the track's retaining lip, at least oneopening for receiving the inwardly protruding portion of the track'sretaining lip, and a generally downwardly-facing horizontal supportsurface that contacts the generally upwardly-facing horizontal supportsurface of the track when the standard is supported by the track withthe standard's end portion slidably received within the track's opening.

Another exemplary embodiment provides an assembly for supporting a hangrod from a shelving bracket having a lower portion with openings. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the assembly generally includes a hang rodmounting bracket and a saddle. The hang rod mounting bracket includes afirst end portion with tabs receivable within the openings of theshelving bracket to mount the hang rod mounting bracket to the shelvingbracket. The hang rod mounting bracket also includes a second endportion generally opposite the first end portion. The hang rod mountingbracket further includes a curved portion extending generally betweenthe first and second end portions such that the hang rod mountingbracket has a generally J-shaped profile configured to allow a clotheshanger to slide along the hang rod freely past the hang rod mountingbracket without interference therefrom. The saddle includes an uppersaddle portion and a lower portion with an opening for receiving thesecond end portion of the hang rod mounting bracket to thereby mount thesaddle to the hang rod mounting bracket. The upper saddle portion isconfigured for receiving at least a portion of the hang rod therein.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a shelving system generally includesat least one locking member and at least one shelving bracket havingopenings. The locking member is coupled to the shelving bracket forpivotal movement between at least an unlocked position and a lockedposition. When in the locked position, the locking member releasablylocks in place a portion of a shelf at least partially supported by theshelving bracket. The locking member may include protruding portions ongenerally opposite sides of the locking member. The protruding portionsare receivable within the corresponding openings of the shelving bracketto thereby pivotably couple the locking member to the shelving bracket.The locking member may also include a locking finger that defines anopening for receiving the portion of the shelf therein when the lockingmember is in the locked position. The locking member may also include alever for causing pivotal movement of the locking member between theunlocked and locked positions.

An additional embodiment of a shelving system includes generally atleast one track and at least one mounting screw. The track includes aforward portion and a rearward portion having a recessed slot extendingat least partially along the length of the track and a downwardlyextending lip. The mounting screw has a slotted head with an axialgroove extending circumferentially along the slotted head. The slottedhead is slidably receivable within the track's recessed slot. Thetrack's downwardly extending lip is receivable within the axial groove.Accordingly, the position of the mounting screw relative to the trackmay be slidably adjustable along the track.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. It should be understood that the description andspecific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and arenot intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustableshelving system;

FIG. 2 is an un-assembled partial perspective view of an upper portionof the adjustable shelving system shown in FIG. 1, and illustrating thestandard's end portion aligned for slidable engagement with the track(as represented by an arrow) and also illustrating the shelf/shelvingbracket's tabs aligned for insertion within slots of the standard (asrepresented by the arrow);

FIG. 3 is a partial back perspective view of the upper portion of theadjustable shelving system shown in FIG. 1, and illustrating exemplaryhardware for mounting a track to a wall according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an exemplary mounting screw thatmay be used with the adjustable shelving system shown in FIG. 1 forattaching a track to a wall, and illustrating the mounting screw'sself-drilling feature according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 5 is a back perspective view of the mounting screw shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the mounting screw shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a back view of the mounting screw shown in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8 through 11 are side views of the mounting screw shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an exemplary track of theadjustable shelving system shown in FIG. 1, where the track may bemounted to a wall and used for supporting a standard according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 13 is a back perspective view of the track shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a left side end view of the track shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a right side end view of the track shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a back view of the track shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the track shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the track shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a top view of the track shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary standard of the adjustableshelving system shown in FIG. 1, where the standard may be supportedfrom a track mounted to a wall according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 21 is a back perspective view of the standard shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the standard shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the standard shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the standard shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the standard shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a back view of the standard shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 27 is a front lower perspective view of an exemplary shelf/shelvingbracket of the adjustable shelving system shown in FIG. 1, where thebracket may be supported by a standard mounted against a wall such thata shelf may then supported atop the bracket according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 28 is a back upper perspective view of the bracket shown in FIG.27;

FIG. 29 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the bracket shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the bracket shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 32 is a front end view of the bracket shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a back end view of the bracket shown in FIG. 27;

FIG. 34 is a front lower perspective view of another exemplaryembodiment of a shelf/shelving bracket that may be used with theadjustable shelving system shown in FIG. 1, where the bracket may besupported from a standard mounted against a wall such that a shelf maythen be supported atop the bracket according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 35 is a back upper perspective view of the bracket shown in FIG.34;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the bracket shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a perspective of an exemplary wire shelf of the adjustableshelving system shown in FIG. 1, where the wire shelf may be supportedatop shelf/shelving brackets, which, in turn, are supported by standardssupported from tracks mounted to a wall according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 38 is a lower perspective view of an exemplary locking member ofthe adjustable shelving system shown in FIG. 1, where the locking membermay be pivotably coupled to a shelf/shelving bracket for releasablylocking in place a portion of a shelf according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 39 is a back upper perspective view of the locking member shown inFIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a side view of the locking member shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 41 is a front view of the locking member shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 42 is a back view of the locking member shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 43 is a top view of the locking member shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 44 is a bottom view of the locking member shown in FIG. 38;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the locking member shown in FIG. 38,and illustrating the locking member pivotably coupled to ashelf/shelving bracket (with a portion of the bracket removed forclarity) where the locking member is releasably locking in place aportion of a wire shelf according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 46 is a partial perspective view of an upper forward portion of theadjustable shelving system in FIG. 1;

FIG. 47 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary hang rodassembly of the adjustable shelving system in FIG. 1 according toexemplary embodiments;

FIG. 48 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary hang rod saddle ormounting base of the hang rod assembly shown in FIG. 47, where the hangrod saddle may be attached to a hang rod mounting bracket and then beused for helping support a hanger rod or hang rod according to exemplaryembodiments;

FIG. 49 is a lower perspective view of the hang rod saddle shown in FIG.48;

FIG. 50 is a side view of the hang rod saddle shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a front view of the hang rod saddle shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 52 is a back view of the hang rod saddle shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 53 is a top view of the hang rod saddle shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 54 is a bottom view of the hang rod saddle shown in FIG. 48;

FIG. 55 is an upper perspective view of an exemplary hang rod mountingbracket of the hang rod assembly shown in FIG. 47, where the hang rodmounting bracket may be supported or suspended from a shelf/shelvingbracket according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 56 is a lower perspective view of the hang rod mounting bracketshown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 57 is a side view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in FIG.55;

FIG. 58 is a front view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in FIG.55;

FIG. 59 is a back view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in FIG.55;

FIG. 60 is a top view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in FIG. 55;

FIG. 61 is a bottom view of the hang rod mounting bracket shown in FIG.55;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of an exemplary end cap of the hang rodassembly shown in FIG. 47, where the end cap may be inserted into anopen end of a hollow hang rod according to exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 63 is a back perspective view of the end cap shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 is a side view of the end cap shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 65 is a top or bottom view of the end cap shown in FIG. 62;

FIG. 66 is an end view of the end cap shown in FIG. 62; and

FIG. 67 is an opposite end view of the end cap shown in FIG. 62.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is notintended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, various exemplaryembodiments of adjustable shelving systems are provided. One exemplaryembodiment of an adjustable shelving system is indicated generally as100 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable shelving system 100generally includes an adjustable track or rail assembly 102, standards104 that may be supported (e.g., positioned on and received, etc.) bythe adjustable track assembly 102, shelf/shelving brackets 106 that maybe supported from the standards 104, a ventilated or wire shelf 108 thatmay be supported atop by the brackets 106, a hang/hanger rod assembly109, and a shelf 111 (e.g., laminate shelf, wooden shelf, etc.) that mayalso be supported by brackets 106. The various components and assemblies102, 104, 106, 108, 109, 111 of the shelving system 100 are described inmore detail herein. In other embodiments, a shelving system may includeany one or more (but not necessarily all) of the components and/orassemblies 102, 104, 106, 108, 109, 111, as the components and/orassemblies 102, 104, 106, 108, 109, 111 may be implemented individuallyor in any combination with any one or more of the other componentsand/or assemblies 102, 104, 106, 108, 109, 111. Accordingly, aspects ofthe present disclosure also include the individual components themselvesof the adjustable shelving systems and assemblies disclosed herein. Inaddition, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include systems, andcomponents thereof that may provide greater support and consumerflexibility to closet shelving arrangements.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated adjustable track assembly102 includes at least two tracks or rails 110. Each track 110 may beidentical to the other track 110, or they may be different. By way ofexample only FIGS. 12 through 19 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of atrack 110 that may be used in the adjustable shelving system 100 shownin FIGS. 1 and 2. Other embodiments, however, may include differentlyconfigured tracks and/or more or less than two tracks or rails 110.Additional embodiments may include one or more tracks or rails longer orshorter relative to the other components than what is shown in FIGS. 1and 2.

Also shown in FIG. 2, the adjustable track assembly 102 includes amember 112 (e.g., cylindrical connector rod, etc.) that may beconfigured to operate or function as a spacer and/or stabilizer betweentwo tracks 110. The member 112 may be various configured, sized, shapedand/or constructed of any suitable materials, such as metals, metalalloys, plastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the member 112 ismade of a wire and is dimensionally sized with a length of about fourinches and outer radius of one-fourth inch. In addition, the member 112may have chamfered or tapered end portions to facilitate the insertionof the member's end portions into an opening. Alternative embodimentsmay include one or more members 112 having a different configuration(e.g., size, shape, material, etc.) than that just described.

As shown in FIG. 2, a recess or channel 116 may extend along the backside 114 (FIG. 12) of the track 110. In this particular embodiment, therecess or channel 116 is generally cylindrically-shaped with a generallyC-shaped profile. The recess 116 extends the length of the track 110.The member, or more specifically in this embodiment shown in FIG. 2, thecylindrical rod 112 may be slidably received within the recess 116 suchthat the tracks 110 may be slidably positioned relative to the rod 112to adjust the spacing between the tracks 110, and thus adjust theoverall or combined track length for the system 100. In otherembodiments, the recess 116 may have a different configuration (e.g.,different shape, different profile, etc.) depending, for example, on thecorresponding shape of the member 112.

The front side 120 (FIG. 12) of the track 110 has a downwardly extendingretaining lip 122 and a support surface 124. Collectively, the lip 122and support surface 124 together define an opening or channel 126 inwhich an end portion 154 of a standard 104 may be engagingly received(as represented by the arrow in FIG. 2). By way of example only, FIGS.20 through 26 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a standard 104 thatmay be suspended from or supported by the track 110 shown in FIGS. 1-3and 12-19.

Along the back side 114 of the track 110, a recessed slot or channel 118may extend along the length of the track 110. The recessed slot orchannel 118 may be configured (e.g., shaped, sized, located, etc.) forreceiving the head 134 of a mounting screw 130. The track 110 may alsoinclude a downwardly extending portion or lip 119. This lip 119 may beconfigured to be engaged within an axial groove 132 of a mountingscrew's slotted head 134, when the mounting screw's head 134 is slidablyreceived within the track's recessed slot 118. This arrangement may thusallow the position of the mounting screw 130 relative to the track 110to be slidably adjustable along the track 110. Plus, the engagement ofthe track's lip 119 within the axial groove 132 of the mounting screw130 may help inhibit disengagement or dislodgement of the track 110 fromthe mounting screw 130. Exemplary hardware that may be used for mountingthe track 110 to a wall or another surface is shown in FIG. 3.

By way of further example, FIGS. 4 through 11 illustrate an exemplaryembodiment of a mounting screw 130 with a self-drilling feature that maybe used when mounting the standard 110. As shown in FIGS. 4 through 11,the mounting screw 130 has an axial groove or slot 132 extendingcircumferentially around the head 134 of the screw 130, to define aslotted head 134 as shown in FIG. 5. The head of the screw 134 may alsoinclude a tool reception feature 135, which is configured for a Phillipsscrewdriver in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5. Alternativeembodiments may be configured differently, such as configurations foruse with a regular screwdriver, hex key, Allen wrench, etc.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the screw 130 may alsoinclude a self-drilling feature or thread 136 on the end portion of thescrew 130. In some embodiments, the self-drilling feature 136 isconfigured to allow the screw 130 to be screwed into a surface (e.g.,wooden stud, sheet rock, etc.) without requiring any pre-drilling of ahole for the screw 130, as the self-drilling feature 136 would createthe hole. Accordingly, providing the self-drilling feature 136 allow fora faster and easier installation, as the screw 130 may be used directlyin a wood wall stud without pre-drilling and/or the screw may 130 may beused in conjunction with ¼″-20 sheet rock toggle type fasteners. Withthe screw 130 installed, the screw 130 allows a track (e.g., track 110,etc.) to snap lock in place and allow the track to freely slidehorizontally on the fastener such that additional tracks maybe installedwithout removal of the existing system. The fastener provides a snaplock mounting platform for additional accessories and cabinets.

In some embodiments, the mounting screw's threaded portion 137 maycomprise a mechanical ¼″-20 thread, and the self-drilling feature 136may comprise a #8 wood fastener screw thread for self-drilling into wood(no pre-drilling required). The major diameter of the self-drillingfeature thread may be less than the minor diameter of ¼ inch-20 UNC. Themounting screw 130 may be formed from steel or other suitable material.Alternative embodiments may include screws or other fasteners with otherconfigurations (e.g., shapes, sizes, threads, materials, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 2, a mounting channel member 140 may be used inconjunction with the mounting screw 130 for mounting the track 110 to awall or other surface. The mounting channel member 140 includes anopening or hole 142 for receiving therethrough a portion of the mountingscrew 130. In this particular embodiment, the mounting channel member140 has a generally U-shaped cross-section with an upper lip 144 and alower lip 146. The mounting screw 130 and mounting channel member 140may be mounted to a wall or other surface as shown in FIG. 2. When themounting screw 130 and mounting channel member 140 are affixed ormounted onto a wall, they provide for alignment and mounting of thetrack 110. The track's recessed slot 118 may also be configured toreceive the slotted head 134 of the mounting screw 130, as shown in FIG.3. During an exemplary installation process of the track 110 to a wall,the mounting screw 130 may thus be slidably moved along the track 110within the track's recessed slot 110, for example, to align the mountingscrew 130 with a stud behind a wall, etc.

Additionally, the track's recessed slot 118 and cylindrically-shapedrecess 116 may be spaced apart so as to respectively receive the upperlip 144 and the lower lip 146 of the mounting channel member 140, whichmay assist the installer with the horizontal aligning the track 110. Bymounting the track 110 using the screw 130 and mounting channel member140 in this exemplary manner, the track 110 may be installed relativelyeasily, quickly, and securely as the track 110, screw 130, and mountingchannel member 140 cooperatively prevent (or at least inhibit) the track110 from being inadvertently dislodged, such as when inadvertentlybumped by a person walking by, etc.

The track 110 may be constructed of any material suitable for tracks,depending, for example, on the method used for making the track 110. Byway of example, the track 110 may be formed from aluminum, steel,plastic, extrudable materials, metal alloys, etc. In the illustratedembodiment of FIGS. 12 through 19, the track or rail 110 has a profilesuitable for an extrusion process such that the track 110 may be formedby extruding aluminum. Alternative embodiments may include a trackformed by using other processes besides extrusion and/or from othermaterials besides aluminum. The track 110 may also be provided invarious lengths. In some embodiments, the track 110 has a length thatallows the standard 104 to slide horizontally along the length of thetrack 110, thereby allowing for selective slidable adjustment of thestandard's positioning relative to the track 110.

FIGS. 20 through 26 illustrate an exemplary standard 104 that may beused in the adjustable shelving system 100 and be supported by orsuspended from the track 100 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, thestandard 104 includes a forward surface 150 and opposing sides 152, aswell as a contoured end portion 154. The standard 104 may be provided invarious lengths and is of indeterminate length as indicated by theseparation and bracket in FIG. 20. In other embodiments, the standard104 may be dimensionally sized (shorter, longer, wider, etc.) relativeto the fastener hole 155, slots 156, and/or other components of theadjustable shelving system 100.

With further reference to FIG. 20, the front surface 150 may include atleast one fastener hole 155. By way of example, a screw may be used forhelping mount and/or stabilize the standard 104 relative to a wall orother surface. Other embodiments may include different means of mountinga standard to a wall. Still other embodiments may include differentlyconfigured fastener holes (e.g., shapes, sizes, locations, etc.) or nofastener holes.

The front surface 150 also includes slots or apertures 156. Asrepresented by the arrow shown in FIG. 2, the slots 156 may beconfigured to receive the tabs of a bracket (e.g., tabs 170 of bracket106 shown in FIG. 27, tabs of bracket 206 shown in FIGS. 34 through 36,etc.). Alternative embodiments may include differently configured slots156 (e.g., size, shape, location, number, single column of slots, etc.)than what is shown in the figures. Instead of slots, further embodimentsmay include other means of mounting a bracket (e.g., protrusions, etc.)may be used on front surface 150.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the standard 104 includes a generallydownwardly-facing horizontal support surface 158 for helping support thestandard 104 on the track 110. The standard 104 also includes a surface159 that may have a contour or shape complementary to or incorrespondence with the lower portion 117 of the track 110. When the endportion 154 of the standard 104 is slidably received within the opening126 of the track 110, the standard's generally downwardly-facinghorizontal support surface 158 may thus contact the track's generallyupwardly-facing horizontal support surface 124, and the lower portion117 of the track 110 may be engageably received (e.g., frictionallyreceived, etc.) with the opening 157 cooperatively defined by thestandard's surfaces 158, 159.

In this illustrated embodiment, the sides 152 may be relieved or cutaway to provide clearance below the support surface 158. But the sides152 may be alternatively shaped and configured to permit the standard104 to fit onto the support 110. When the end portion 154 of thestandard 104 is slidably positioned within the track's opening 126 (asrepresented by the arrow shown in FIG. 2), the standard's supportsurface 158 is generally horizontal in orientation. With the standard104 supported by or suspended from the track 110, the standard'sgenerally downwardly-facing horizontal support surface 158 rests on andis supported by the opposing generally upwardly-facing horizontalsupport surface 124 of the track 110. The standard's support surface 158may be slidably moved along the track's support surface 124 to therebyadjustably position the location of the standard 104 relative to thetrack 110.

The upper portion of the standard's front surface 150 may be configuredto abut the downwardly extending lip 122 of the track 110 (FIG. 2), tothereby help hold the end portion 154 of the standard 104 within theopening 126 of the track 110 (FIG. 1). The track's lip 122 may extendsome distance over the contoured end portion 154 of the standard 104,and come into contact with the front surface 150 of the standard 104.This, in turn, may help retain the standard 104 so that the standard 104is not inadvertently released from the track 110, for example, when thestandard 104 is jarred or bumped into by a person walking by, etc. Inalternative embodiments, other means (e.g., latch or other mechanism,etc.) may be used instead of the track's lip 122 for helping thestandard 104 remain supported by the track 110.

With further reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, the standard 104 alsoincludes notch or opening 160. The notch 160 may be configured to engagea protrusion or protruding portion 123 on the downwardly extending lip122 of the track 110. The engagement of the protrusion 123 within thenotch 160 may help prevent (or inhibit) the standard 104 from beingpushed upward and separated from the track 110. The contoured endportion 154 may also be configured to allow the standard 104 to slidehorizontally along the track 110, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2.With the standard 104 in a desired position along the track 110, thehanging or lower portion of the standard 104 not engaged with the track110 may thereafter be secured to a wall (via a screw, for example) toprevent or inhibit any further movement of the standard 104 from itsdesired position.

The standard 104 may be constructed of any suitable material, such asplastic, metal, metal alloys, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, thestandard 104 is formed from sheet metal.

Accordingly, various embodiments disclosed herein include standards andtracks that are configured with integrated locking features (e.g.,standard's notch 160 and track's protruding portion 123, standard'sfront surface 150 and track's lip 122, standard's support surface 158and track's support surface 124, etc.) that allow an installer toadjustably position (e.g., slide, etc.) a standard relative to the trackbefore the standard is fixedly mounting the standard to a wall or othersurface (e.g., with screws, etc.). The standards and tracks in someembodiments are also configured with safety features (e.g., standard'snotch 160 and track's protruding portion 123, etc.) provides positiveengagement while still allowing flexibility of component installation.

FIGS. 27 through 33 illustrate an exemplary shelf/shelving bracket 106that may be used with the adjustable shelving system 100 shown inFIG. 1. The bracket 106 may be supported by a standard (e.g., standard104 shown in FIGS. 20 through 26, etc.) mounted against a wall such thata shelf (e.g., wire ventilated shelf 108 shown in FIG. 37, laminateshelf, etc.) may then supported atop the bracket 106. FIGS. 34 through36 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a shelf/shelving bracket206 that may be instead or also be used with the adjustable shelvingsystem 100 shown in FIG. 1.

The bracket 106 or 206 may be constructed of any suitable material. Byway of example only, the brackets 106, 206 may be formed from sheetmetal. In addition, the brackets 106, 206 may also be provided invarious lengths depending, for example, on the width of the particularshelf to be supported by the brackets. For example, the bracket 106 mayhave an overall length of about sixteen inches (e.g., 16.34 inches,etc.) in some embodiments, and the bracket 206 may have an overalllength of about twelve inches (e.g., 12.44 inches, etc.) in someembodiments.

With continued reference to FIGS. 27 and 28, the bracket 106 includes amain body portion 166 and tabs 170, 174. The bracket 106 may be mountedto the standard 104 by inserting the tabs 170, 174 located on therearward end portion of the bracket 106 into corresponding slots 156 ofthe standard 104. The upper tabs 170 begin at about the point where theback portion of the bracket 106 extends outwardly and then in a downwarddirection, to thereby form or define a notch 172 (FIGS. 28 and 29)between the main body portion 166 and the tab 170. Each notch 172 may beconfigured relative to (e.g., about equal to, greater than, less than) athickness of the front surface portion 150 of the standard 104. This mayallow the bracket 106 to be hooked onto the standard 104 by insertingthe tabs 170 into slots 156 and then moving the bracket 106 downwardrelative to the standard 104 so as to receive a mounting portion of thestandard 104 within the notch 172. The notch 172 may have a full radiusto prevent (or inhibit) tearing of material when placed in a loadedcondition, and to assist in installation of the bracket tab 170 to thestandard 104. A mounting portion of the standard 104 is generallyreferred to as that portion of the standard 104 that is received withinand fits into the notch 172.

The bracket 106 further includes middle tabs 174 located at about thecenter of the back portion of the bracket 106. The tabs 174 extendgenerally downwardly and form or define notches 176. Tabs 174, inconjunction with notches 176, may generally inhibit the front end of thebracket 106 from being pushed up and becoming dislodged from thestandard 104, and may also provide increased load-bearing capacity tobracket 106. The upper portions of the tabs 174 protrude slightly andmay operate or act as a stop when the bracket 106 is installed to thestandard 104. During use, the tab upper portions may help inhibit thebracket 106 from being dislodged from the standard 104, for example,when the bracket 106 is pushed in an upward direction. By way ofexample, FIG. 1 illustrates the bracket 106 supported by the standard104 where two brackets 106 are supporting the wire shelf 108.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the bracket 106 further includes tab orprojection 183 along the bottom of the bracket 106. These tabs 183 maybe configured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) to also be receivedin slots 156 of the standard 104 when the bracket 106 is installed tothe standard 104. Accordingly, installing the bracket 106 to thestandard 104 may include all three sets of tabs 170, 174, and 183 beingrespectively received in respective upper, middle, and lower pairs ofslots 156 of the standard 104. This engagement of the three differentsets of tabs 170, 174, 183 with slots 156 of the standard 104 may thusprovide a relatively secure installation of the bracket 106 to thestandard 104, which will resist or inhibit inadvertent dislodgement ofthe bracket 106 from the standard 104, for example, when bumped by aperson walking by, etc. Alternative embodiments may include differentlyconfigured tabs and/or more or less tabs 170, 174, 183. For example,FIGS. 34 through 36 illustrate an embodiment of a bracket 206 that doesnot include a lower or bottom set of tabs, such as tabs 183 of bracket106.

The bracket 106 also includes recesses or openings 177, as shown inFIGS. 27 and 29. The recesses 177 may be configured (e.g., sized,shaped, located, etc.) to receive portions of a wire shelf'slongitudinally support members (e.g., members 181 shown in FIG. 37,etc.). In the illustrated example, the recesses 177 comprise generallyu-shaped indents or notches. The engagement of the shelf portions withinthe recesses 177 may help restrain or resist generally horizontalmovement of the shelf relative to the bracket 106. The particularconfiguration (e.g., shape, spacing, location, etc.) of the openings 177may depend on the particular shelf configuration to be supported atopthe bracket 106. For example, FIGS. 34 through 36 illustrate anotherexemplary embodiment of a bracket 206 having a different arrangement ofrecesses or openings 277.

As shown in FIG. 27, this particular embodiment of the bracket 106includes generally rectangular openings 179 along a bottom surface ofthe bracket 106. As shown in FIG. 47, the openings 179 may be configured(e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) so as to engagingly receive tabs ofa hang rod support bracket (e.g., tabs 196 of bracket 192 shown in FIGS.55 through 61, etc.), to thereby suspend or support the hang rod supportbracket therefrom. The particular configuration (e.g., shape, spacing,location, etc.) of the openings 179 may depend, for example, on theparticular configuration of the tabs of the hang rod support bracket tobe supported or suspended from the bracket 106. For example, FIGS. 34through 36 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a bracket 206having openings 279 closer to the front of the bracket 206.

FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary wire shelf 108 that may be used withthe adjustable shelving system 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1,the wire shelf 108 may be supported atop the shelf/shelving brackets106, which, in turn, are supported by standards 104 supported fromtracks 110 mounted to a wall. As shown in FIG. 37, the wire shelf 108includes transversely extending wire members 180 (e.g., wire stringers,etc.) supported by longitudinally extending support members 181 to forma shelf deck. The transversely extending wire members 180 are typicallyspaced to provide a ventilated shelf deck construction, while preventingor inhibiting items from falling through the spaces between thetransversely extending wire members 180.

The wire shelf 108 may be constructed of any suitable material, such asmetals, metal alloys, plastic, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, thewire shelf 108 is formed from steel wires. In addition, the wire shelf108 is but one example of a shelf that may be supported atop brackets ofthe adjustable shelving system 100. The particular wire shelf 108 shownin FIG. 37 is for purposes of illustration only as various aspects ofthe invention can be used with a wide range of other shelves and storageproducts, including wire ventilated shelves having differentconfigurations than what is shown in FIG. 37, trays, laminate shelves,etc. Accordingly, the specific references to wire shelf herein shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to only onespecific form/type of wire shelf.

FIG. 1 shows the forward end portion of the bracket 106 positionedgenerally between the forward vertically-spaced longitudinal rods orwires 181 a and 181 b, which form a cascading forward portion of thewire shelf 108. The upper forward longitudinal rod 181 a of the wireshelf 108 rests in the forward notch 177 of the bracket 106. Also, FIGS.1 and 47 show the rearward longitudinal rod or wire 181 c of the wireshelf 108 resting in the rearward notch 177 on an upper portion of thebracket 106. FIGS. 45 and 46 also show an exemplary locking member 182releasably locking in place the rearward longitudinal rod 181 c.

FIGS. 38 through 44 illustrate the exemplary locking member 182, whichmay be used with the adjustable shelving system 100 shown in FIG. 1. Asshown in FIGS. 1, 45, and 46, the locking member 182 may be pivotablycoupled to a bracket 106 for releasably locking in place a portion ofthe wire shelf's rearward longitudinal wire 181 c.

With further reference to FIG. 38, the locking member 182 includesprotruding portions or pivot members 184 (e.g., nubs having generallycircular profile, etc.) that may be received within correspondingopenings 178 of the bracket 106 (FIG. 27), for pivotably coupling thelocking member 182 to the bracket 106. When the locking member 182 iscoupled to the bracket 106 by way of the engagement of the protrudingportions 184 with the bracket's openings 178, the locking member 182 ispivotable relative to the bracket 106 (and shelf 108 supported thereby)between at least an unlocked position and a locked position (FIG. 45).

As shown in FIG. 38, the locking member 182 further includes a lockingfinger 186 that defines an opening 185 for receiving a portion of ashelf therein (e.g., rearward longitudinal wire 181 c of wire shelf 108(FIG. 45), back edge portion of laminate shelf 111 (FIG. 1), etc.). Inuse, the locking finger 186 is hooked or locked over the shelf portionwhen the locking member 182 is pivoted relative to the bracket 106 aboutpivotal members 184 into the locking position shown in FIGS. 1, 45, and46. The locking member 182 may also include a lever or arm 189 forhelping a user in pivoting the locking member 182 between the unlockedand locked positions.

The wire shelf 108 is but one example of a shelf that may be releasablylocked in place by a locking member 182. For example, locking members182 may also be used for releasably locking in place a portion of alaminate shelf, such as the back edge portion of the laminate shelf 111shown in FIG. 1. For the laminate shelf 111, the orientation of thelocking member 182 is reversed from what is shown in FIGS. 45 and 46 toallow the back edge portion of the laminate shelf 111 to be received inthe opening 185 of the locking member 182.

The locking member 182 may be constructed of any suitable material, suchas plastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking member 182may be formed from polypropylene.

FIG. 47 illustrates an exemplary hang/hanger rod assembly 109 of theadjustable shelving system 100 in FIG. 1 according to exemplaryembodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 47, the hang rod assembly 109generally includes hang round mounting brackets 192 (which may besupported or suspended from brackets 106, 206), hang rod saddles ormounting bases 190 (which may be supported by the brackets 192), and ahang/hanger rod 188 (which may be supported atop the saddles 190). Inother embodiments, however, an adjustable shelving system may notinclude any such hang rod assembly.

FIGS. 48 through 54 illustrate the exemplary hang rod saddle or mountingbase 190, which may be used with the adjustable shelving system 100shown in FIG. 1. As shown by FIGS. 1 and 47, the hang rod saddle 190 maybe attached to the hang rod mounting bracket 192 for supporting thehanger/hang rod 188.

As shown in FIG. 49, the saddle 190 includes an opening 193 (e.g., asaddle portion, etc.) in which the hang/hanger rod 188 may rest whensupported thereby. The opening 193 is generally shaped as a saddle witha generally C-shaped profile. The opening 193 extends the length of thesaddle 190. In other embodiments, the opening 193 may have a differentconfiguration (e.g., different shape, different profile, different size,etc.) depending, for example, on the corresponding shape of thehang/hanger rod 188 to be supported by the saddle 190.

With further reference to FIG. 49, the saddle 190 also includes a slot191 therein. The slot 191 is configured for receiving the end portion199 of the bracket 192. The slot 191 is generally rectangular in theillustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the saddle may include aslot or opening having a different configuration (e.g., different shape,different size, different location, etc.) depending, for example, on thecorresponding configuration of the end portion 199 of the bracket 192 tobe received in the slot 191. Alternative embodiments may includedifferent means for attaching the saddle to the bracket. Still furtherembodiments may include the saddle and bracket being monolithicallyformed with a single component construction such that the saddle is nota separate component that must be attached to the bracket.

The saddle 190 may be constructed of any suitable material, such asplastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the saddle 190 may be formedfrom polypropylene.

The hanger/hang rod 188 may also be constructed of any suitablematerial, such as plastics, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, thehanger/hang rod 188 may be hollow and formed from sheet metal.

FIGS. 55 through 61 illustrate the exemplary hang rod mounting bracket192, which may be used with the adjustable shelving system 100 shown inFIG. 1. As shown by FIGS. 1 and 47, the hang rod mounting bracket 192may be supported by or suspended from brackets 106, 206, and the saddle190 may be positioned on the end portion 199 of the hang rod mountingbracket 192.

With further reference to FIG. 55, the hang rod bracket 192 includes amain bracket portion 194 and tabs 196. A notch 198 is defined generallybetween each tab 196 and the main bracket portion 194. The tabs 196 maybe configured to be inserted into openings along a lower surface of ashelf/shelving bracket (e.g., openings 179 of bracket 106 shown in FIG.27, openings 279 of bracket 206 shown in FIG. 34, etc.), to therebysuspend or support the hang rod support bracket 192 from theshelf/shelving bracket. Each notch 198 may be configured relative to(e.g., about equal to, greater than, less than) a thickness of thematerial of the shelving/shelf bracket from which the hang rod mountingbracket 192 will be suspended. This may allow the bracket's tabs 196 tobe hooked into the openings 179 of the shelving/shelf bracket 106 byinserting the tabs 196 into opening 179 and then moving the bracket 192toward the standard 104 so as to receive a mounting portion of theshelving/shelf bracket 106 within the notches 198. The notches 198 mayhave a full radius to prevent (or inhibit) tearing of material whenplaced in a loaded condition, and to assist in installation of thebracket tabs 196 into the openings 179 of shelf/shelving bracket 106. Amounting portion of the shelving/shelf bracket 106 is generally referredto as that portion of the bracket 106 that is received within and fitsinto the notch 198.

In other embodiments, the tabs 196 may be configured to be positionedgenerally over longitudinal wires of a wire shelf, such that thelongitudinal wires are received within the notches 198. The notches 198may be configured such that a gap or spaced distance is definedgenerally between the main bracket portion 194 and the tabs 196 that isless than the outer diameter of the shelf's longitudinal wires receivedwithin notches 198. This, in turn, provides a means for the wires to be“snapped” into the notches 198.

The hang rod mounting bracket 192 includes an end portion 199, which isconfigured (e.g., sized, shaped, located, etc.) to be inserted andreceived within the slot 191 of the hang rod saddle 190, to therebyattach and secure the hang rod saddle 190 to the bracket 192. In someembodiments, the bracket end portion 199 may include a hole or opening161, which may be configured for receiving a corresponding catch (e.g.,projection, rib, protrusion, nub, etc.) within the slot 191, for helpingretain the saddle 190 to the protruding portion 199. In addition, someembodiments have the bracket end portion 199 and saddle slot 190configured such that a friction or interference fit is createdtherebetween for helping retain the saddle 190 on the bracket 192.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 47, the hang rod 188 may be inserted or slidinto the openings 193 of the hang rod saddles 190. Additionally, theillustrated hang rod mounting bracket 192 is generally J-shaped with alower curved portion that has a depth preferably greater than theterminating end of a hook of a clothes hanger. In such embodiments, thehang rod mounting brackets 192 and saddles 190 may thus support thehang/hanger rod 188 horizontally in an exemplary manner that allowscontinuous free sliding of clothes hangers along the hang/hanger rod 188past and over the generally J-shaped brackets 192. In other embodiments,the hang rod mounting bracket 192 may be configured differently, such asbeing shaped differently than generally J-shaped.

The hang rod mounting bracket 192 may be constructed of any suitablematerial, such as metals, metal alloys, plastics, etc. In one exemplaryembodiment, the hang rod mounting bracket 192 may be formed from sheetmetal. As an example, the hang rod mounting bracket 192 may be stampedfrom steel. Alternative embodiments may include a hang rod mountingbracket formed by other processes and/or different materials.

FIGS. 62 through 67 illustrate an exemplary end cap 187 that may beinserted into an open end portion of a hollow hang rod (e.g.,hang/hanger rod 188 shown in FIG. 47, etc.) according to an exemplaryembodiment. By way of example, the end cap 187 may be configured as aself-adjusting press fit end cap, which may be used on a closet hang rodto prevent (or at least inhibit) hangers from sliding off the end of thehang rod.

As shown in FIG. 62, the end cap 187 includes forks or end portions 195having protrusions 197 thereon in a sawtooth or jagged configuration.When the end cap 187 is inserted, the forks 195 may be compressedgenerally towards each other.

The end 187 also includes recesses or pockets 201. The recessed pockets201 can provide a degree of compression to the end cap 187. The recessedpockets 201 may also allow the end cap 187 to be fabricated with lessmaterial. The recessed pockets 201 may also be configured (e.g., sized,shaped, located, etc.) to provide for some degree of compression whilestill maintaining sufficient structural stiffness for the particularapplication.

In some embodiments, the end cap 187 may be formed from one or morematerials having sufficient resiliency to permit compression of the endcap's forks 195 towards each other for fitting into the open end portionof hollow rod, and having sufficient restorative force for urging theforks 195 outwardly to spread apart thereby creating a relatively goodfriction or interference fit between the end cap's forks 195 andinterior sidewalls of the hollow rod. A wide range of materials may beused for the end cap 187, such as polypropylene, etc.

An exemplary installation process is described for the adjustableshelving system 100 (FIGS. 1 through 3) for purposes of illustrationonly. The mounting channel member 140 and mounting screw 130 mayadvantageously provide for horizontally aligning the track or rail 110,and for mounting the track 110 to a wall or surface. The tracks 110 areconfigured to be positioned over the slotted head 134 of the mountingscrew 130, and over the mounting channel member 140, and are furtherconfigured to be adjustably positioned relative to each other via member112. Mounting channels 140, the member 112, and tracks 110 thus enablethe tracks 110 to be movable to an appropriate position as desired foraccommodating a particular shelf, while maintaining horizontal alignmentof the tracks 110. With the tracks 110 being easily mounted andadjustable to an appropriate position, the standards 104 may then beengaged with the tracks 110 and slid to the appropriate spacing toaccommodate a wire shelf, laminate shelf, etc. With the standards 104installed and positioned accordingly, brackets 106, 206 may relativelyeasily be engaged to the standards 104 by inserting the bracket tabsinto corresponding slots 156 of the standard 104. The hang rod brackets192 may also be suspended from the brackets 106, 206 by inserting thetabs 196 of the hang rod brackets 192 into the openings 179, 279 ofbrackets 106, 206. The saddles 190 may be engaged to the hang rodbrackets 192 by positioning the saddles 190 relative to the hang rodbrackets 192 to insert the end portions 199 of the hang rod brackets 192into the slots 191 of the saddles 190. The hang/hanger rod 188 may thenbe positioned so as to rest and be supported within the openings 193 ofthe saddles 190. In addition, an end cap 187 may be positioned withineach open end portion of the hang rod 188 to inhibit clothes hangersfrom sliding off the end of the hang rod 188, for example, when a personis sliding hangers along the hang rod 188 while searching for aparticular garment to wear, etc.

While the above first embodiment includes mounting screws and mountingchannels and a hang rod assembly, such features may be optional in otherembodiments. Accordingly, it should be understood that some embodimentsmay be provided that omit one or more of the above features, such as themounting elements, hang rod assembly, and/or the locking member.

Another exemplary embodiment of an adjustable shelving system isprovided that includes a cylindrical rod, and at least two tracks havinga cylindrically-shaped recess in which the cylinder rod is received. Inthis example, each track is configured to be slidably positioned overthe cylindrical rod. Each track includes a downwardly extendingretaining lip, and an upper support surface that together with thedownwardly extending retaining lip defines an opening in which acontoured end of a standard may be inserted and received. Continuingwith this example, the adjustable shelving system further includes atleast two standards each having slots and an upper contoured endportion. The contoured end portion has a horizontal support surface thatcontacts the upper support surface of the track when the contoured endis received within the opening in the track. The standard is configuredto slide within the opening of the track such that each standard may beadjustably positioned along the length of each track. The adjustableshelving system further includes at least two shelf/shelving brackets.Each shelf/shelving bracket has a main body portion and tabs. A notch isdefined generally between each tab and the main body portion of theshelf/shelving bracket. The tabs are configured to be inserted andreceived in the slots in the standard in a manner such that the notchesinhibit dislodging of the bracket from the standard. The adjustableshelving system also includes a wire ventilated shelf havinglongitudinal rods that are configured to be positioned on the top of thesupport bracket.

In this embodiment of an adjustable shelving system, there may also beprovided a hang rod assembly. The hang rod assembly may include ahang/hanger rod, a hang rod saddle or mounting base, and a hang rodmounting bracket. The hang rod mounting bracket may include a mainbracket portion and tabs. A notch may be defined generally between eachtab and the main bracket portion. The tabs are configured to be insertedinto openings of a shelf/shelving bracket and/or over longitudinal wiresof a wire shelf, such that the longitudinal wires are received withinthe notches. The end portion of the hang rod mounting bracket may beconfigured to be inserted and received within a slot in the hang rodsaddle, to thereby secure the hang rod saddle to the hang rod mountingbracket. A hang/hanger rod may be received or rest within an opening ofthe hang rod saddle.

Certain terminology is used herein for purposes of reference only, andthus is not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “upper”,“lower”, “above”, “below”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, and“rearward” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference ismade. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “bottom” and “side”,describe the orientation of portions of the component within aconsistent, but arbitrary, frame of reference which is made clear byreference to the text and the associated drawings describing thecomponent under discussion. Such terminology may include the wordsspecifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similarimport. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and other such numericalterms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unlessclearly indicated by the context.

When introducing elements or features and the exemplary embodiments, thearticles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there areone or more of such elements or features. The terms “comprising”,“including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements or features other than thosespecifically noted. It is further to be understood that the methodsteps, processes, and operations described herein are not to beconstrued as necessarily requiring their performance in the particularorder discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as anorder of performance. It is also to be understood that additional oralternative steps may be employed.

The description of the disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and,thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the disclosure areintended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations arenot to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure.

1. A shelving system comprising: at least two tracks, each trackincluding a rearward portion and a forward portion, the forward portionincluding a downwardly-extending retaining lip with an inwardlyprotruding portion, a generally upwardly-facing horizontal supportsurface, and an opening cooperatively defined by the retaining lip andsupport surface along at least a portion of a length of the track; andat least one standard including an end portion slidably receivablewithin the opening of each of the tracks, such that the position of thestandard relative to each of the tracks is slidably adjustable alongeach of the tracks, the end portion of the standard including an upperportion configured to contact one of said track's retaining lip, and anopening for receiving the inwardly protruding portion of one of saidtrack's retaining lip, and a generally downwardly-facing horizontalsupport surface that contacts the generally upwardly-facing horizontalsupport surface of one of said tracks when the standard is supported byone of said tracks with the standard's end portion slidably receivedwithin said one of said track's opening; wherein the rearward portion ofeach track defines a recess, and wherein the shelving system furthercomprises an elongate member slidably receivable within the recesses ofthe tracks such that each track is slidable along the elongate member,whereby the slidable engagement of the elongate member within therecesses of the tracks aligns the tracks and allows slidable adjustmentof the relative positioning of the tracks to each other.
 2. The shelvingsystem of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises a generallycylindrical rod, and wherein the recesses defined by the tracks includecorresponding generally cylindrical shapes for slidably receivingtherein the generally cylindrical rod.
 3. The shelving system of claim1, wherein the at least one standard includes two standards eachsupportable by a corresponding one of the two tracks, and wherein eachstandard is slidably along the corresponding one of the two tracks,thereby allowing slidable adjustment of the relative positioning of thestandards to each other.
 4. The shelving system of claim 3, furthercomprising at least two shelving brackets each engageable with a frontsurface of a corresponding one of the two standards for cooperativelysupporting at least one shelf.
 5. The shelving system of claim 4,further comprising at least one shelf supportable by the at least twoshelving brackets.
 6. The shelving system of claim 4, wherein eachshelving bracket includes a lower portion with openings, and wherein theshelving system further comprises: a hang rod; at least two hang rodmounting brackets, each including a first end portion with tabsreceivable within the openings of a corresponding one of the shelvingbrackets to mount the hang rod mounting bracket to the corresponding oneof the shelving brackets and a second end portion generally opposite thefirst end portion; and at least two saddles each including an uppersaddle portion and a lower portion with at least one opening forreceiving the second end portion of a corresponding one of thecorresponding hang rod mounting brackets to mount the saddle to the hangrod mounting bracket, the upper saddle portion configured forsupportably receiving at least a portion of the hang rod therein.
 7. Theshelving system of claim 6, wherein each hang rod mounting bracketincludes a curved portion extending generally between the first andsecond end portions such that the hang rod mounting bracket has agenerally J-shaped profile configured to allow a clothes hanger to slidealong the hang rod freely past the hang rod mounting bracket withoutinterference therefrom.
 8. The shelving system of claim 6, wherein theupper saddle portion of each saddle is configured with a generallyU-shaped profile for receiving only a lower portion of the hang rodtherein.
 9. The shelving system of claim 4, further comprising at leasttwo locking members each coupled to a corresponding one of the shelvingbrackets for pivotal movement between at least an unlocked position anda locked position in which the locking member releasably locks in placea portion of a shelf supported by the shelving brackets.
 10. Theshelving system of claim 9, wherein each locking member includes:protruding portions on generally opposite sides of the locking memberthat are receivable within corresponding openings of the correspondingone of the shelving brackets for pivotably coupling the locking memberthereto; a locking finger that defines an opening for receiving aportion of a shelf therein when the locking member is in the lockedposition; and a lever for causing pivotal movement of the locking memberbetween the unlocked and locked positions.
 11. The shelving system ofclaim 1, wherein the standard includes at least one surface having atleast one fastener opening therein to allow mounting of the standarddirectly to a support surface.
 12. The shelving system of claim 1,wherein the end portion of the standard comprises a contoured endportion having a shape complementary to a shape of the opening of eachof said tracks.
 13. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein the standardincludes a rearward portion defining a contoured opening having a shapecomplementary to a shape of a lower portion of each of said tracks, suchthat one of said track's lower portion is engageably received within theopening when the standard is supported by one of said tracks with thestandard's end portion slidably received within said one of said track'sopening.
 14. The shelving system of claim 1, further comprising at leastone shelving bracket having a main body portion, tabs, and a notchdefined generally between each tab and the main body portion, andwherein the standard includes apertures for receiving the tabs of theshelving bracket for mounting the shelving bracket to the standard suchthat corresponding portions of the standard are received withincorresponding notches of the shelving bracket, whereby dislodgement ofthe shelving bracket from the standard is inhibited.
 15. The shelvingsystem of claim 1, wherein the tracks comprise extruded aluminum.
 16. Ashelving system comprising: at least one track including a rearwardportion and a forward portion, the forward portion including adownwardly-extending retaining lip with an inwardly protruding portion,a generally upwardly-facing horizontal support surface, and an openingcooperatively defined by the retaining lip and support surface along atleast a portion of a length of the track; and at least one standardincluding an end portion slidably receivable within the opening of thetrack, such that the position of the standard relative to the track isslidably adjustable along the track, the end portion of the standardincluding an upper portion configured to contact the track's retaininglip, and an opening for receiving the inwardly protruding portion of thetrack's retaining lip, and a generally downwardly-facing horizontalsupport surface that contacts the generally upwardly-facing horizontalsupport surface of the track when the standard is supported by the trackwith the standard's end portion slidably received within the track'sopening; wherein the rearward portion of the track includes a recessedslot extending at least partially along the length of the track and adownwardly extending lip, and wherein the shelving system includes atleast one mounting screw having a slotted head with an axial grooveextending circumferentially along the slotted head, the slotted headconfigured to be slidably received within the track's recessed slot withthe track's downwardly extending lip engaged within the axial groove,whereby the position of the mounting screw relative to the track isslidably adjustable along the track.
 17. The shelving system of claim16, further comprising a mounting channel member having a base and twogenerally opposite sidewalls extending from the base such that themounting generally member has a channel U-shaped profile, and whereinthe base includes an opening therein for receiving at least a portion ofthe mounting screw therein, and wherein the sidewalls are spaced apartfor receiving a portion of the track therebetween when the track ismounted to a surface with the mounting screw.
 18. The shelving system ofclaim 16, wherein the mounting screw further comprises an end portionwith a self-drilling thread generally opposite the slotted head.
 19. Theshelving system of claim 1, further comprising an assembly forsupporting a hang rod from a shelving bracket having a lower portionwith openings, the assembly comprising: a hang rod mounting bracketincluding a first end portion with tabs receivable within the openingsof the shelving bracket to mount the hang rod mounting bracket to theshelving bracket, a second end portion generally opposite the first endportion, and a curved portion extending generally between the first andsecond end portions such that the hang rod mounting bracket has agenerally J-shaped profile configured to allow a clothes hanger to slidealong the hang rod freely past the hang rod mounting bracket withoutinterference therefrom; and a saddle including an upper saddle portionand a lower portion with an opening for receiving the second end portionof the hang rod mounting bracket to thereby mount the saddle to the hangrod mounting bracket, the upper saddle portion configured for receivingat least a portion of the hang rod therein.
 20. The shelving system ofclaim 19, further comprising a hang rod, and a shelving bracket having alower portion with openings configured to receive the tabs of the hangrod mounting bracket.
 21. The shelving system of claim 19, wherein thehang rod mounting bracket comprises stamped steel.
 22. The shelvingsystem of claim 19, wherein the saddle's opening comprises a generallyrectangular slot.
 23. The shelving system of claim 19, wherein the uppersaddle portion is configured with a generally U-shaped profile forreceiving only a lower portion of the hang rod therein.
 24. The shelvingsystem of claim 19, wherein the hang rod mounting bracket includes anotch defined generally between each tab and the first end portion andis configured for receiving a corresponding portion of the shelvingbracket when the tabs are received within the openings of the shelvingbracket.
 25. The shelving system of claim 1, further comprising: atleast one shelving bracket having openings; at least one locking membercoupled to the shelving bracket for pivotal movement between at least anunlocked position and a locked position in which the locking memberreleasably locks in place a portion of a shelf at least partiallysupported by the shelving bracket, the locking member comprising:protruding portions on generally opposite sides of the locking member,the protruding portions receivable within corresponding openings of theshelving bracket to thereby pivotably couple the locking member to theshelving bracket; a locking finger that defines an opening for receivingthe portion of the shelf therein when the locking member is in thelocked position; and a lever for causing pivotal movement of the lockingmember between the unlocked and locked positions.
 26. The shelvingsystem of claim 25, further comprising a shelf at least partiallysupported by the shelving bracket.
 27. The shelving system of claim 26,wherein the shelf comprises at least one longitudinal member, andwherein the opening defined by the locking finger is configured forreceiving at least a portion of the longitudinal member.
 28. Theshelving system of claim 26, wherein: the shelf comprises at least onelongitudinal member; the shelving bracket includes at least onegenerally u-shaped recess along an upper portion thereof; and at least aportion of the longitudinal member is received within the shelvingbracket's u-shaped recess, thereby restraining generally horizontalmovement of the shelf relative to the shelving bracket.
 29. The shelvingsystem of claim 25, wherein the standard includes apertures, and whereinthe shelving bracket includes: a main body portion defining the openingstabs receivable within the apertures of the standard for mounting theshelving bracket to the standard; and a notch defined generally betweeneach tab and the main body portion, and configured such that acorresponding portion of the standard is received within the notch whenthe shelving bracket's tabs are received within the standard'sapertures.
 30. The shelving system of claim 1, wherein each of thetracks includes a recessed slot extending at least partially along thelength of the rearward portion; and wherein the shelving system furthercomprises at least one mounting screw having a slotted head with anaxial groove extending circumferentially along the slotted head, theslotted head slidably receivable within each track's recessed slot andeach track's downwardly extending lip is receivable within the axialgroove, whereby the position of the mounting screw relative to eachtrack is slidably adjustable along each track.
 31. The shelving systemof claim 30, wherein the mounting screw further comprises an end portionwith a self-drilling thread generally opposite the slotted head.
 32. Theshelving system of claim 30, further comprising a mounting channelmember having a base and two generally opposite sidewalls extending fromthe base such that the mounting channel member has a channel U-shapedprofile, and wherein the base includes an opening therein for receivingat least a portion of the mounting screw therein, and wherein thesidewalls are spaced apart for receiving a portion of the tracktherebetween when the track is mounted to a surface with the mountingscrew.